It is difficult to imagine a time when Star Wars Insider did not exist. This is how the magazine looms large in the consciousness of the fandom. Before and even after the advent of the internet, it was The place to break Star Wars news, read interviews with creators and just immerse yourself in the galaxy far, far away, from movies to books and games. I remember seeing the Naboo starfighters from Episode I for the first time in their pages – a magical thing to see, study and hold in my hands. This memory always reminds me of the power of magazines, printing and Insider. For that, I will always be grateful.
Star Wars Insider # 200 arrives today, a historical edition and a proof of the power that the magazine has held for decades. To mark the occasion, StarWars.com has achieved Insider editor Chris Cooper and combed Insiderto see some covers that you should remember. Here’s to 200 more editions!
StarWars.com: What are your feelings about the legacy of Star Wars Insider upon reaching problem 200?
Chris Cooper: There is something unique about Insider, and how it continued to connect fans – including me – with the Star Wars galaxy for so many years. Its longevity means that it has been a big part of many people’s lives Star Wars experience for almost as long as the saga exists. Insider it’s more than a magazine, actually. It is part of our lives.
StarWars.com: Why is this milestone significant to you?
Chris Cooper: It’s a rare privilege to get involved professionally with something you’ve loved since childhood, so the very fact that I have to edit any edition of Star Wars Insider meant a lot to me. Being in the chair of the 200th edition is really a bit surreal. I feel that, with this problem, I was able to pay Star Wars back for all the pleasure it has given me over the years and it is a real pleasure to see how much subscribers are already enjoying the edition.
StarWars.com: When you look back at all these covers [see below], what comes to mind?
Chris Cooper: It’s amazing how much ground Insider covered, and continues to cover, as Star Wars it grew and diversified. They show how vibrant and versatile the Star Wars the premise is, and how many different stories have emerged from George Lucas’ original film. Which is a good job, because it gives us more to write about!
Of all these covers, issue 23 really stands out, as I remember the thrill of discovering it in the original store of the Forbidden Planet in London. It wasn’t widely available here, so you had to be alert to keep track of each new issue. Little did I know that I would end up writing the cover lines for these later editions.
Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine # 1 (Fall 1987)
The first edition of Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine, published in the fall of 1987, featured R2-D2 and C-3PO holding a cake decorated with 10 candles – marking the 10th anniversary of Star Wars. In his welcome letter, George Lucas wrote: “Ten years ago, when Star Wars debuted, I never dreamed that I would be writing a letter to members of a Lucasfilm fan club. What a decade this was. “
Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine # 17 (Fall 1991)
George Lucas sat down for an exclusive interview in this issue, discussing the future of Star Wars, and a possible timeline for the release of the first prequel trilogy.
Star Wars Insider # 23 (fall 1994)
The first problem to be called Star Wars Insider it hit newsstands in the fall of 1994, featuring Sir Alec Guinness on the cover. This “main” edition included rare photos from the Star Wars Vacation Special, interviews with Carrie Fisher and Kenny Baker, and a special report on the Wedge cult.
Star Wars Insider # 32 (winter 1997)
1997 marked the 20th anniversary of the Star Wars and saw the theatrical release of Special edition of the Star Wars trilogy. This edition celebrated these two very special events with an exclusive report in the making of Special Editions and an unprecedented logo for the magazine.
Star Wars Insider # 44 (June / July 1999)
The 16-year wait for a new Star Wars movie is over. Insider covered the very early launch of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in style, talking to Queen Amidala actress Natalie Portman – then just 17 years old and in her senior year of high school.
Star Wars Insider # 60 (June 2002)
Fast forward to June 2002 and the arrival of Episode II. Insider covered the launch of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones memorably, chatting with Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen and George Lucas, as well as a special report on what you may have missed in the second prequel.
Star Wars Insider # 131 (January 2012)
Like The phantom threat went to 3D to return to theaters, InsiderEditing the 3D film took readers back to the beginning with an exclusive look at the film’s storyboards and 10 reasons why “wesa” loves Jar Jar Binks.
Star Wars Insider # 135 (July 2012)
This edition celebrated 30 years of Star Wars video games, The Empire Strikes Back in 1982 to Kinect Star Wars, through arcades, TIE hunting simulators, The Unleashed Forceand Knights of the old republic.
Star Wars Insider # 138 (December 2012)
At the time this issue was going to press, it was announced that Disney bought Lucasfilm and that a new Star Wars The film trilogy was scheduled to launch in 2015. Moving quickly, Insider got an interview with George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy in which they revealed what was to come in the saga.
Star Wars Insider # 151 (July 2014)
Jeffrey Brown’s work, especially his Darth Vader and family series, has delighted fans young and old; for this problem, Insider invited the writer / artist to take the cover of the magazine. The result was this unique view of Hildebrandt’s original poster of Star Wars: a new hope.
Star Wars Insider # 162 (December 2015)
After years of waiting, the sequential trilogy had arrived. Star Wars The Force Awakens finally hit theaters worldwide and Insider presented interviews with the cast and crew in this commemorative edition.
Star Wars Insider # 170 (December 2016)
Like Rogue One: a Star Wars story landed in theaters, telling the story of how Princess Leia came to secure the plans for the Death Star, InsiderThe corresponding edition of the magazine offered two covers that allowed readers to choose one side – the Rebel Alliance or the Empire.
Star Wars Insider # 171 (February 2017)
With the passing of Carrie Fisher, Insider dedicated edition 171 to Star Wars icon that meant a lot to generations of fans.
Star Wars Insider # 178 (January 2018)
This problem marked the launch of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, as director Rian Johnson discussed making the film.
Star Wars Insider # 181 (May 2018)
Insider stepped on board the Millennium Falcon when it was still Lando’s pride and joy, and entered the second Star Wars standalone film, Solo: a Star Wars story.
Star Wars Insider # 194 (December 2019)
After a year of revisiting each chapter of the Skywalker saga, Insider announced the launch of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker with a deep dive into the final climatic episode. But what was next?
Star Wars Insider # 195 (February 2020)
Star Wars entered a new phase with the Disney + live-action series The Mandalorian, which would become a critically acclaimed success. Appropriately, Insider put the child in front and in the center.
Star Wars Insider # 200 (February 2021)
InsiderThe 200th edition milestone arrives with an introduction by actor C-3PO Anthony Daniels and presents the entire saga, including an interview with Star Wars: The High Republic scribe Charles Soule and an epic list of 200 reasons why we love Star Wars.
In a special birthday offer, subscribe now Star Wars Insider and receive 8 issues for just $ 47.99 – 40% off the bankroll price.
Dan Brooks is a senior online content strategist at Lucasfilm, StarWars.com editor and copywriter. He loves Star Wars, ELO and New York Rangers, Jets and Yankees. Follow him on Twitter @dan_brooks where he talks about all those things.
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